Congratulations to Elin and Jay Phinizy and members of the Dog Owners of the Granite State (D.O.G.S) federation, winners of the first quarter 2018 Walter Bebout Memorial Award for Leadership in Canine Legislation.
Elin and Jay Phinizy have been actively involved in Dog Owners of the Granite State since its inception in 1991. As a federation leader, Jay spent a good deal of the 1990s lobbying the New Hampshire state legislature, until 1998, when he became a member of the legislature himself – realizing the benefits of influencing the process from inside!
Jay spent 10 years in the state legislature; two of those years spent as the Chairman of the House Committee on Environment and Agriculture.
Elin has been a leader of D.O.G.S. since 1998. She has testified before the State House and Senate on numerous animal care, health, and ownership issues. She also served 8 years on the Governor’s Commission for Humane Treatment of Animals.
Six months ago, after decades of working to preserve purebred dogs, Elin announced plans to retire as President of D.O.G.S. However, in January, when a new anti-breeder bill was introduced in New Hampshire, Elin put off her retirement and once again she and Jay stepped up to lead the state federation. Since then, she and Jay have been meeting with policymakers, testifying at hearings, and perhaps most important of all –inspiring a new group of New Hampshire dog owners to get involved in making positive changes in canine legislation.
The Bebout Award was presented to DOGS and accepted by Jay at the AKC Delegates Meeting on March 13. In receiving the award he urged all present to recognize a new generation of advocates for purebred dogs. In particular, he acknowledged two outstanding new members of the D.O.G.S. group: Sosanna Folz and Angela Ferrari.
Sosanna Folz and her family have been raising Vizslas since her mother acquired their first one in 1970. The Folz Family, including mother Patricia and sister Alessandra, have consistently bred top winning dogs under the Szikra Vizslas kennel name.
Angela Ferrari of Allettare Dobermans has been involved with dogs for nearly 20 years. What started as a love for training the family dog as a kid, grew into a passion for training, exhibiting, breeding, and raising purebred dogs. She co-breeds Doberman Pinschers and Beagles with her Mother, Cindy Williams, under the kennel name Honey Pot Hounds.
For both Sosanna and Angela, protecting the rights of New Hampshire breeders has become an important part of working within their communities to ensure that future generations will have the opportunity to own purpose-bred dogs and participate in AKC events.
The American Kennel Club is grateful for the outstanding dedication that Elin, Jay, Sosanna, Angela, and other members of D.O.G.S. have demonstrated in protecting the future of purebred dogs in New Hampshire.
About the Bebout Award
The “Bebout” award recognizes federations and owner/breeder organizations that have demonstrated leadership in educating legislators about responsible dog ownership issues, and have worked to preserve the rights of responsible owners and breeders.
Winners of the Bebout award receive a $1,000 donation to help offset the costs associated with their legislative efforts.
Do you know of a club or organization that is deserving of the Bebout award? To learn more about the award or make a nomination, contact doglaw@akc.org or 919-816-3720.